High levels of E coli found at Henley days before international regatta

Dangerous E coli bacteria were discovered in significant amounts at Henley shortly before top rowers compete in the international regatta at the location.

The Henley Mile, which is part of the regatta course near the town of Oxfordshire, was recently tested for water quality. The results showed an average of 1,213 E coli colony forming units (CFU) per 100ml of water in 27 tests. If the levels of E coli exceed 900 CFU/100ml, the water quality is considered poor and poses a risk to public health, according to bathing water standards.

According to the River Action campaigners, the top measurement recorded was 25,000 CFU/100ml, which is over 27 times higher than the safe level for swimming. The second highest measurement was 8,001 CFU/100ml of water.

Following the tests conducted, the Henley Royal Regatta officials are cautioning the 4,000 top rowers to take precautions against illnesses and infections from the water. Competitors are being urged to keep any cuts covered and refrain from ingesting any splashes of river water.

With the upcoming Henley Royal Regatta happening from July 2-7, Sir Steve Redgrave, an ex-Olympic rower and currently serving as chair of the committee of management for the regatta, spoke about how the recent discoveries highlight the impact sewage pollution is having on rivers in the UK.

Redgrave mentioned that the Henley Royal Regatta is in favor of the research carried out by River Action. The research emphasizes the crucial work required to enhance the cleanliness of our waterways so that everyone can appreciate them. He added that rowers practice every day across the country, and clean waterways are essential not only for competitors in races but also for all athletes training regularly across the nation.

Thames Water denied being responsible for the rise in bacteria levels and criticized River Action for being overly concerned. The company stated that it had conducted its own tests at two locations in the river since May and the findings were positive.

The laboratory results indicated that, with the exception of a few days in May and June, the levels of E coli were consistently within the acceptable range for bathing waters.

The company stated that the rise in E. coli and intestinal enterococci levels over a span of two days in May and June were not caused by their outflows. They attributed the increase to industrial and road runoff as well as parasites from livestock and birds.

During a conflict between the company and activists, Dave Wallace, who conducted the River Action testing in Henley, claimed that Thames Water had collected its data in a separate section of the river.

Wallace utilized a portable microbiological laboratory called a Fluidion World Health Organization-verified E coli analyser for his testing, with oversight from the non-governmental organization Earthwatch. This equipment delivers results within hours, eliminating the need for the typical wait times associated with traditional lab-based testing.

Wallace mentioned that they have been conducting tests on the river in a section where it is most used for recreation on the Henley Mile, as it is part of the regatta course. They are aware that the sewage treatment works in Henley can affect this area, so they found it interesting that Thames Water chose to test at the two locks instead, which are far away from the regatta course and have less foot traffic and sewage impact.

River testing is happening on the Henley Mile at Fawley Meadows from 28 May to 7 July. Since 28 May, almost half of the readings have been over 900 CFU/100ml.

The head of River Action, James Wallace, expressed concern about having to provide health advice to participants at the Henley Royal Regatta. He praised the event organizers for prioritizing the safety of rowers by providing helpful guidance.